Semiconductor device including conductive lines with fine line width and method of fabricating the same

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region between which a cell array region is interposed, a first conductive line and a second conductive line extending to the first core region across the cell array region, and a third conductive line and a fourth conductive line extending to the second core region across the cell array region, wherein a line width of the first through fourth conductive lines is smaller than a resolution limit in a lithography process.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/865,738, filed Oct. 2, 2007, which a claim of priority is made to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2006-0097266, filed on Oct. 2, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same and, more particularly, to a semiconductor device including conductive lines with a fine line width and a method of fabricating the same.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, as the demand for smaller sized electronic appliances increases, an increasing number of methods for increasing the integration density of semiconductor devices are being developed. These methods include not only techniques for reducing the size of components of the semiconductor devices, but also techniques for efficiently disposing components of the semiconductor devices on surfaces such as, for example, a semiconductor substrate. For example, a semiconductor memory device, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), includes a plurality of memory cell array regions and core regions disposed around the cell array regions. Each of the cell array regions includes a plurality of memory unit cells, each of which has a cell transistor, a cell capacitor, and an interconnection portion.

In order to increase integration efficiency, a technique for forming the cell transistor on a semiconductor device, stacking an interlayer insulating layer on the cell transistor, and forming the cell capacitor on the interlayer insulating layer has been widely used. Furthermore, source and drain regions of the cell transistor are connected to a lower electrode or bit line of the cell capacitor, and a gate electrode of the cell transistor is connected to a word line thereof. However, with a reduction in size of the cell transistor, it is increasingly difficult to dispose interconnection lines required for operating the cell transistor. That is, it is increasingly difficult to dispose bit lines and word lines required for operating a cell transistor as the size of the cell transistor is being continually reduced.

A method of disposing word lines and bit lines is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,009,208 B2 entitled “Memory Device and Method of Production and Method of Use Same and Semiconductor Device and Method of Production of Same” by Aratani et al (“Aratani”). According to Aratani, a plurality of word lines is disposed in a memory portion having a plurality of memory cells (i.e., a memory cell array region). In this case, the word lines extend in a first direction in order to form a contact portion in one side of the memory cell array region. In other words, the word lines extend only in one direction from the memory cell array region. Thus, a sufficient region for the contact portion may be secured owing to the word lines extending in one direction. However, Aratani suffers from a number of limitations. For example, because the word lines extend only in one direction from the memory cell array region, when the word lines have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process, it may be difficult to secure a region for the contact region of the word lines.

Therefore, there may be a need to develop a new method of disposing interconnection lines, in order to secure a sufficient contact region and overcome shrinkage in line width of interconnection lines, such as word lines. The present disclosure is directed towards overcoming one or more limitations of the prior art method of disposing word lines and bit lines.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a semiconductor device. The device comprises a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region between which a cell array region is interposed, a first conductive line and a second conductive line extending to the first core region across the cell array region, and a third conductive line and a fourth conductive line extending to the second core region across the cell array region, wherein a line width of the first through fourth conductive lines is smaller than a resolution limit in a lithography process.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a semiconductor device. The device comprises a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region, between which a cell array region is interposed, first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines extending to the first and second core regions across the cell array region, the first through fourth conductive lines having a line width smaller than a resolution limit in a lithography process, first contact pads electrically connected to end portions of the second and fourth conductive lines in the first core region, and second contact pads electrically connected to end portions of the first and third conductive lines in the second core region, wherein the first contact pads are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other, and the second contact pads are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region between which a cell array region is interposed and forming a first conductive line and a second conductive line extending to the first core region across the cell array region, and forming a third conductive line and a fourth conductive line extending to the second core region across the cell array region, wherein the first through fourth conductive lines are formed to have a line width smaller than a resolution limit in a lithography process.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region between which a cell array region is interposed, forming a hard mask including a first sacrificial opening and a second sacrificial opening that extend to the first and second core regions across the cell array region, each of the first and second sacrificial openings having a width of one feature size in the cell array region and a greater width in the first and second core regions than in the cell array region, forming a first sacrificial spacer and a second sacrificial spacer in the first and second sacrificial openings, etching end portions of the first and second sacrificial spacers located in the first and second core regions using a node separation process, and forming a first sacrificial spacer pattern and a second sacrificial spacer pattern in the first sacrificial opening and a third sacrificial spacer pattern and a fourth sacrificial spacer pattern in the second sacrificial opening, filling the first and second sacrificial openings whose sidewalls are covered by the first through fourth sacrificial spacer patterns by forming a mask pattern, etching the first through fourth sacrificial spacer patterns and the semiconductor substrate using the hard mask and the mask pattern as etch masks, and forming first through fourth trenches, forming a conductive layer on the semiconductor substrate including the first through fourth trenches, forming first contact pad masks and second contact pad masks on the conductive layer, the first contact pad masks overlapping end portions of the second and fourth trenches in the first core region and the second contact pad masks overlapping end portions of the first and third trenches in the second core region, and etching the conductive layer using the first and second contact pad masks as etch masks, forming first through fourth conductive lines partially filling the first through fourth trenches, and forming first contact pads electrically connected to end portions of the second and fourth conductive lines in the first core region and second contact pads electrically connected to end portions of the first and third conductive lines in the second core region, wherein the first contact pads are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other, and the second contact pads are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1 through 10 are plan views of semiconductor devices according to various exemplary disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a process flowchart illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIGS. 12A through 12G are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIGS. 13A through 13E are plan views illustrating the method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary disclosed embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements.

FIGS. 1 through 10 are plan views of semiconductor devices according to various exemplary disclosed embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary disclosed embodiment, a semiconductor substrate 1 having a first core region CO1 and a second core region CO2 is provided. Furthermore, a cell array region CA is interposed between the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. A plurality of active cell regions 3 a may be provided in the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the active cell regions 3 a may be defined by an isolation layer.

A plurality of conductive lines 22 are provided across the cell array region CA. These conductive lines 22 extend to the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2. In the cell array region CA, the conductive lines 22 have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. These conductive lines 22 may be formed using various fabrication techniques. For example, the conductive lines 22 may be obtained by a spacer image pattern forming process.

The conductive lines 22 may be word lines or bit lines. In this case, the word lines may be buried gate lines. When the conductive lines 22 are word lines, the word lines may be disposed across the active cell regions 3 a in the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the word lines, i.e., the buried gate lines, may be disposed lower than top surfaces of the active cell regions 3 a.

The conductive lines 22 may include a first conductive line 22 a, a second conductive line 22 b, a third conductive line 22 c, and a fourth conductive line 22 d, that are arranged in sequence.

The first and second conductive lines 22 a and 22 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the first and second conductive lines 22 a and 22 b may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by a second distance SW2 in the first core region CO1. Here, the second distance SW2 is greater than the first distance SW1. Also, the first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The third and fourth conductive lines 22 c and 22 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 22 c and 22 d may be spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA, and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2.

In the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 22 b and 22 c may be spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 that is greater than the first distance SW1.

First and second contact pads 25 p and 25 q are electrically connected to one end portions of both end portions of each of the conductive lines 22, which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2. Specifically, the first contact pads 25 p may be electrically connected to end portions of the first and second conductive lines 22 a and 22 b in the first core region CO1, and the second contact pads 25 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 22 c and 22 d in the second core region CO2. Furthermore, each of the first and second contact pads 25 p and 25 q may have a width greater than the line width of each of the conductive lines 22.

The first contact pads 25 p located in the first core region CO1 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first contact pads 25 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 25 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 25 p. Here, the virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 22 in the cell array region CA, while the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

The second contact pads 25 q located in the second core region CO2 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the second contact pads 25 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 25 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 25 q.

First connection portions 25 a may be provided between the end portions of the first and second conductive lines 22 a and 22 b of the first core region CO1 and the first contact pads 25 p. The first connection portions 25 a may electrically connect the first and second conductive lines 22 a and 22 b to the first contact pads 25 p. Similarly, second connection portions 25 b may be provided between the end portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 22 c and 22 d of the second core region CO2 and the second contact pads 25 q. The second connection portions 25 b may electrically connect the third and fourth conductive lines 22 c and 22 d to the second conductive pads 25 q. Furthermore, each of the first and second connection portions 25 a and 25 b may have a width greater than the line width of each of the conductive lines 22, and smaller than the width of each of the first and second contact pads 25 p and 25 q.

Alternatively, conductive lines may be disposed along an active cell region in a different manner. Specifically, unlike the exemplary embodiment described above where the conductive lines 22 have end portions on substantially the same level in one of the first core region CO1 and the second core region CO2, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, conductive lines 122 are disposed such that there is no need for connection portions 25 a and 25 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, conductive lines 122 extend to a first core region CO1 or a second core region CO2 across a cell array region CA. In this case, the conductive lines 122 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, and 122 d that are arranged in sequence. In the cell array region CA, each of the conductive lines 122 may have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The first and second conductive lines 122 a and 122 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the first and second conductive lines 122 a and 122 b may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other in the first core region CO1 by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Here, the first conductive line 122 a may extend by a first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1, and the second conductive line 122 b may extend by a second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1. The second length LE2 is smaller than the first length LE1.

The third and fourth conductive lines 122 c and 122 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 122 c and 122 d may be spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2. Here, the third conductive line 122 c may extend by the first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2, and the fourth conductive line 122 d may extend by the second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2. The first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

First and second contact pads 125 p and 125 q are electrically connected to end portions of both end portions of each of the conductive lines 122, which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2. Specifically, the first contact pads 125 p may overlap end portions of the first and second conductive lines 122 a and 122 b in the first core region CO1, and the second contact pads 125 q may overlap end portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 122 c and 122 d in the second core region CO2. Furthermore, each of the first and second contact pads 125 p and 125 q may have a width greater than the line width of each of the conductive lines 122.

The first contact pads 125 p located in the first core region CO1 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first contact pads 125 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 125 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 125 p. Here, the virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 122 in the cell array region CA, and the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

The second contact pads 125 q located in the second core region CO2 may also be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the second contact pads 125 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 125 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 125 q.

As described above, the conductive lines 122 according to the above-described exemplary embodiment extend in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 by different lengths from the conductive lines 22 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Also, the contact pads 125 p and 125 q of this embodiment may be on substantially the same level as the contact pads 25 p and 25 q of the previously embodiment in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2.

FIG. 3 represents an alternative structure and method for disposing conductive lines across an active cell region. Specifically, in FIG. 3, each of the conductive lines 222 has a greater line width in the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 than in the cell array region CA.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the conductive lines 222 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 222 a, 222 b, 222 c, and 222 d that are arranged in sequence. In the cell array region CA, the conductive lines 222 may have a first line width LW1 smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. Furthermore, the first and second conductive lines 222 a and 222 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. In addition, the first and second conductive lines 222 a and 222 b may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other in the first core region CO1 by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Here, the portions of the first and second conductive lines 222 a and 222 b which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the first core region CO1 may have a second line width LW2 greater than the first line width LW1. The first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The third and fourth conductive lines 222 c and 222 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 222 c and 222 d may be spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2. Here, the portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 222 c and 222 d which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2 may have the second line width LW2. In the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 222 b and 222 c may be spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 that is greater than the first distance SW1.

First and second contact pads 225 p and 225 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the conductive lines 222 that have the second line width LW2. Furthermore, similar to a previously disclosed exemplary embodiment, the first and second contact pads 225 p and 225 q may be on substantially the same level. Therefore, connection portions 225 a may be provided between the contact pads 225 p and the end portions of the conductive lines 222 like a previously disclosed embodiment. As described above, the conductive lines 222 of the third embodiment have a different line width from the conductive lines 22 in a previously disclosed embodiment in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. As a result, in the present embodiment, an electrical characteristic between the conductive lines 222 and the contact pads 225 p can be improved.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the conductive lines 222 described above are disposed in a manner such that the connection portions 225 a are omitted. FIG. 4 illustrates such an exemplary disclosed embodiment.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, conductive lines 322 extend to a first core region CO1 or a second core region CO2 across a cell array region CA. In this case, the conductive lines 322 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322 d that are arranged in sequence. In the cell array region CA, each of the conductive lines 322 may have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The first and second conductive lines 322 a and 322 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. The first and second conductive lines 322 a and 322 b may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other in the first core region CO1 by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Here, the portions of the first and second conductive lines 322 a and 322 b which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the first core region CO1 may have a second line width LW2 greater than the first line width LW1. The first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. Also, the first conductive line 322 a may extend by a first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1, and the second conductive line 322 b may extend from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1 by a second length LE2 that is smaller than the first length LE1.

The third and fourth conductive lines 322 c and 322 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the third and fourth conductive lines 322 c and 322 d may be spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2. Here, the portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 322 c and 322 d which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2 may have the second line width LW2. Additionally, in the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 322 b and 322 c may be spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 that is greater than the first distance SW1.

The third conductive line 322 c may extend by the first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2, and the fourth conductive line 322 d may extend by the second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2.

First and second contact pads 325 p and 325 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the conductive lines 322 that have the second line width LW2. Specifically, the first contact pads 325 p may overlap end portions of the first and second conductive lines 322 a and 322 b in the first core region CO1, and the second contact pads 325 q may overlap end portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 322 c and 322 d in the second core region CO2. Each of the first and second contact pads 325 p and 325 q may have a width greater than the line width of each of the conductive lines 322.

The first contact pads 325 p located in the first core region CO1 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first contact pads 325 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 325 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 325 p. Here, the virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 322 in the cell array region CA, while the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

Similarly, the second contact pads 325 q located in the second core region CO2 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the second contact pads 325 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 325 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 325 q.

In the meantime, the contact pads 25 p according to a previously disclosed embodiment may be disposed as shown in FIG. 5 that illustrates yet another alternative exemplary embodiment. In particular, conductive lines 422 of the present embodiment may be disposed in substantially the same position as the conductive lines 22 of a previously disclosed embodiment. The conductive lines 422 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 422 a, 422 b, 422 c, and 422 d which are arranged in sequence. The first and second conductive lines 422 a and 422 b may extend to a first core region CO1 across a cell array region CA. The first and second conductive lines 422 a and 422 b may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other in the core region CO1 by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Here, the first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The third and fourth conductive lines 422 c and 422 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 422 c and 422 d may be spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2. In the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 422 b and 422 c may be spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Furthermore, contact pads 425 p and 425 q may overlap one end portions of both end portions of the conductive lines 422 that are spaced apart from one another by the second distance SW2.

In another alternative exemplary embodiment, the conductive lines 422 according to the embodiment described above, may be disposed differently as shown in FIG. 6. As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the conductive lines 422 has a portion that extends to the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 and has a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. In contrast, the conductive lines 522 in FIG. 6 may have a greater line width in the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 than in the cell array region CA.

Specifically, the conductive lines 522 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 522 a, 522 b, 522 c, and 522 d that are arranged in sequence. In the cell array region CA, the conductive lines 522 may have a first line width LW1 smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. Furthermore, the first and second conductive lines 522 a and 522 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. The first and second conductive lines 522 a and 522 b may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other in the first core region CO1 by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Here, the portions of the first and second conductive lines 522 a and 522 b which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the first core region CO1 may have a second line width LW2 greater than the first line width LW1. The first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The third and fourth conductive lines 522 c and 522 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 522 c and 522 d may be spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2. Here, the portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 522 c and 522 d which are spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the second core region CO2 may have the second line width LW2. In the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 522 b and 522 c may be spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Furthermore, second contact pads 525 p and 525 q may overlap end portions of the conductive lines 522 that have the second line width LW2.

A semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, a semiconductor substrate 1, which is the same as that disclosed in previous embodiments, is provided. The semiconductor substrate 1 may have a first core region CO1 and a second core region CO2. A cell array region CA may be interposed between the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. A plurality of active cell regions 3 a may be provided in the cell array region CA. The active cell regions 3 a may be defined by an isolation layer (not shown). Furthermore, a plurality of conductive lines 622 extend to the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The conductive lines 622 may be buried gate lines or bit lines.

Specifically, the conductive lines 622 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, and 622 d that are arranged in sequence. In the cell array region CA, the conductive lines 622 may have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. Also, the second and third conductive lines 622 b and 622 c in the cell array region CA may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 that is smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. The first and second conductive lines 622 a and 622 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the first and second conductive lines 622 a and 622 b may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance SW2 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 in the first core region CO1. Here, the second distance SW2 is greater than the first distance SW1 and smaller than the third distance SW3. Also, the first conductive line 622 a may extend by a first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1, and the second conductive line 622 b may extend from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1 by a second length LE2 that is smaller than the first length LE1.

The third and fourth conductive lines 622 c and 622 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 622 c and 622 d may be spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the third distance SW3 in the second core region CO2. Here, the third conductive line 622 c may extend by the first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2, and the fourth conductive line 622 d may extend by the second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2.

First and second contact pads 625 p and 625 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the conductive lines 622 that are spaced apart from one another by the second distance SW2. Specifically, the first contact pads 625 p may overlap end portions of the first and second conductive lines 622 a and 622 b and the second contact pads 625 q may overlap end portions of the third and fourth conductive lines 622 c and 622 d. Each of the first and second contact pads 625 p and 625 q may have a width greater than the line width of each of the conductive lines 622.

The first contact pads 625 p located in the first core region CO1 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first contact pads 625 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 625 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 625 p. Here, the virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 622 in the cell array region CA, while the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

The second contact pads 625 q located in the second core region CO2 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the second contact pads 625 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 625 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 625 q.

A semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, a semiconductor substrate 1, which is the same as that disclosed in previously discussed embodiments, is provided. The semiconductor substrate 1 may have a first core region CO1 and a second core region CO2. A cell array region CA is interposed between the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. A plurality of active cell regions 3 a may be provided in the cell array region CA. The active cell regions 3 a may be defined by an isolation layer (not shown). A plurality of conductive lines 722 extend to the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The conductive lines 722 may be buried gate lines or bit lines.

Specifically, the conductive lines 722 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 722 a, 722 b, 722 c, and 722 d that are arranged in sequence. In the cell array region CA, the conductive lines 722 may have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

In the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 722 b and 722 c may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 that is smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process.

The first and second conductive lines 722 a and 722 b may extend to the first core region CO1 across the cell array region CA. The first and second conductive lines 722 a and 722 b may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. The third and fourth conductive lines 722 c and 722 d may extend to the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The third and fourth conductive lines 722 c and 722 d may be spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2.

First contact pads 725 p may overlap the first and second conductive lines 722 a and 722 b in the first core region CO1, and second contact pads 725 q may overlap the third and fourth conductive lines 722 c and 722 d in the second core region CO2. Each of the first and second contact pads 725 p and 725 q may have a line width greater than the line width of each of the conductive lines 722.

The first contact pads 725 p located in the first core region CO1 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first contact pads 725 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 725 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 725 p. Here, the virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 722 in the cell array region CA, while the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

The second contact pads 725 q located in the second core region CO2 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. Specifically, the second contact pads 725 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 725 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 725 q.

A semiconductor device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 9, a semiconductor substrate 1, which is the same as that previously discussed, is provided. The semiconductor substrate 1 may have a first core region CO1 and a second core region CO2. A cell array region CA is interposed between the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. A plurality of active cell regions 3 a may be provided in the cell array region CA. The cell array regions 3 a may be defined by an isolation layer (not shown).

A plurality of conductive lines 822 extend to the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. The conductive lines 822 have a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. For example, the conductive lines 822 may be buried gate lines that are obtained by a spacer image pattern process. Furthermore, the conductive lines 822 may be disposed across the active cell regions 3 a in the cell array region CA. In particular, when the conductive lines 822 are buried gate lines, they may be disposed lower than the top surfaces of the active cell regions 3 a.

The conductive lines 822 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 822 a, 822 b, 822 c, and 822 d that are arranged in sequence. The first and second conductive lines 822 a and 822 b are spaced apart from each other by a first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 by a second distance SW2 that is greater than the first distance SW1. Here, the first distance SW1 may be smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. The third and fourth conductive lines 822 c and 822 d are spaced apart from each other by the first distance SW1 in the cell array region CA and have portions spaced apart from each other by the second distance SW2 in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. In the cell array region CA, the second and third conductive lines 822 b and 822 c may be spaced apart from each other by a third distance SW3 that is greater than the first distance SW1.

First and second contact pads 825 p and 825 q may be electrically connected to selected end portions of the conductive lines 822. For example, the first contact pads 825 p may be electrically connected to end portions of the second and fourth conductive lines 822 b and 822 d in the first core region CO1, and the second contact pads 825 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the first and third conductive lines 822 a and 822 c in the second core region CO2. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the contact pads 825 p and 825 q disposed in one of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other.

Specifically, the first contact pads 825 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 825 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 825 p. Similarly, the second contact pads 825 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 825 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 825 q. The virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 822 in the cell array region CA, while the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

When seen in a plan view, because the contact pads 825 p and 825 q are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other, the end portions of the conductive lines 822 may be spaced apart from end portions of the contact pads 825 p and 825 q. In this case, connection portions 825 a may be provided between the end portions of the conductive lines 822 and the contact pads 825 p and 825 q so that the contact pads 825 p and 825 q can be electrically connected to the conductive lines 822.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary disclosed embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, conductive lines 922 may have different lengths in first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 unlike the conductive lines 822 discussed with respect to a previously disclosed exemplary embodiment.

Specifically, the conductive lines 922 may include first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines 922 a, 922 b, 922 c, and 922 d that are arranged in sequence. The first and third conductive lines 922 a and 922 c may extend by a first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1 and also, extend by a second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2. Here, the second length LE2 is greater than the first length LE1. Also, the second and fourth conductive lines 922 b and 922 d may extend by the second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1 and also, extend by the first length LE1 from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2.

First and second contact pads 925 p and 925 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the conductive lines 922, which extend by the second length LE2 from the cell array region CA to the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. Specifically, the first contact pads 925 p may be electrically connected to end portions of the second and fourth conductive lines 922 b and 922 d in the first core region CO1, and the second contact pads 925 q may be electrically connected to end portions of the first and third conductive lines 922 a and 922 c in the second core region CO2.

Furthermore, the first and second contact pads 925 p and 925 q which are disposed in one of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 may be arranged diagonally adjacent to each other. For example, the first contact pads 925 p may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the first contact pads 925 p, run between the adjacent first contact pads 925 p. The second contact pads 925 q may be spaced apart from one another such that a virtual horizontal line X and a virtual vertical line Y, which are spaced apart from the second contact pads 925 q, run between the adjacent second contact pads 925 q. The virtual horizontal line X may be at an angle to the conductive lines 822 in the cell array region CA, while the virtual vertical line Y may be at a right angle to the virtual horizontal line X.

When seen in a plan view, because the contact pads 925 p and 925 q are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other, the end portions of the conductive lines 922 may be spaced apart from end portions of the contact pads 925 p and 925 q. In this case, connection portions 925 a may be provided between the end portions of the conductive lines 922 and the contact pads 925 p and 925 q so that the contact pads 925 p and 925 q can be electrically connected to the conductive lines 922.

As described above, the conductive lines of the semiconductor devices according to exemplary disclosed embodiments may have sub-resolution fine line widths in the cell array region. Also, a sufficient space may be secured between the contact pads provided in the core regions. As a result, the above-described semiconductor devices can improve the integration density of electronic equipment using such semiconductor devices.

Hereinafter, methods of fabricating semiconductor devices according to exemplary disclosed embodiments will be described. FIG. 11 is a process flowchart illustrating a common method of fabricating the semiconductor devices according to the exemplary embodiments discussed above. In other words, the semiconductor devices in the exemplary embodiments discussed above are fabricated in similar manners, but they are different in the arrangement of conductive lines and contact pads as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 10. Therefore, only a method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to one exemplary embodiment will now be described in detail.

First, a method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 11, 12A through 12G, and 13A through 13E.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, 12A, and 13A, a semiconductor substrate 1 having a first core region CO1 and a second core region CO2 is prepared. A cell array region CA is interposed between the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. An isolation layer 3S may be formed in the semiconductor substrate 1 to define active cell regions 3 a in the cell array region CA. The isolation layer 3S may be formed using a trench isolation technique. In addition, a buffer dielectric layer 5, a buffer conductive layer 7, and a sacrificial insulating layer 9 may be sequentially formed on the semiconductor substrate 1 having the isolation layer 3S.

A hard mask 11 having sacrificial openings 11 a may be formed on the sacrificial insulating layer 9 (S100). The sacrificial openings 11 a may extend to the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 across the cell array region CA as illustrated in FIG. 13A. Furthermore, each of the sacrificial openings 11 a runs across selected one of the active cell regions 3 a in the cell array region CA. That is, when seen in a plan view, one sacrificial opening may be formed on one active cell region. Also, a portion of each of the sacrificial openings 11 a formed in the first core region CO1 may be different in size from a portion of each of the sacrificial openings 11 a formed in the second core region CO2. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, each of the sacrificial openings 11 a may occupy a larger space in one of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. In particular, each of the sacrificial openings 11 a may have a box shape in one of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2, as illustrated in FIG. 13A.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, 12B, and 13B, sacrificial spacers 13 may be formed on sidewalls of the sacrificial openings 11 a (S110). The sacrificial spacers 13 may be formed of a material having an etch selectivity with respect to the hard mask 11. For example, when the hard mask 11 is formed of a silicon nitride layer, the sacrificial spacers 13 may be formed of a silicon oxide layer.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, 12C, and 13C, a node separation process may be performed. To this end, the sacrificial spacers 13 may be partially etched to define a region where the conductive lines 22 shown in FIG. 1 will be disposed. Specifically, a node separation mask 15 including node separation openings 15 a may be formed on the semiconductor substrate 1 including the sacrificial spacers 13. The node separation mask 15 may be formed of a photoresist layer. Furthermore, the node separation openings 15 a may overlap both end portions of the sacrificial openings 11 a. As a result, portions of the sacrificial spacers 13 located at both end portions of the sacrificial openings 11 a may be exposed by the node separation openings 15 a. Subsequently, the exposed portions of the sacrificial spacers 13 may be etched using the node separation mask 15 as an etch mask, thereby forming sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a (S120). The sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a may be formed in the region where the conductive lines 22 of the semiconductor device described in an exemplary embodiment will be disposed.

The sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a may extend to the first core region CO1 or the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, a pair of sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a may be formed on a single active cell region 3 a. Furthermore, in FIGS. 12C and 13C, reference numeral 16 refers to regions exposed by the node separation openings 15 a from which the sacrificial spacers 13 are etched.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, 12D, and 13D, the node separation mask 15 may be selectively removed. Mask patterns 17 may be formed to fill the sacrificial openings 11 a of which sidewalls are covered by the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a (S130). The mask patterns 17 may be formed of a material having an etch selectivity with respect to the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a. For example, when the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a may be formed of a silicon oxide layer, the mask patterns 17 may be formed of a silicon nitride layer.

The formation of the mask patterns 17 may include forming a material layer on the semiconductor substrate 1 having the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a and planarizing the material layer using a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process until the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a are exposed. In this case, the CMP process may be carried out until the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a are exposed and form planar top surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, and 12E, the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a may be removed to form trenches 19. Thereafter, the sacrificial insulating layer 9, the buffer conductive layer 7, and the buffer dielectric layer 5 may be sequentially etched using the hard mask 11 and the mask patterns 17 as etch masks, thereby exposing the active cell regions 3 a and the isolation layer 3S. Subsequently, the exposed active cell regions 3 a and isolation layer 3S may be partially etched using the hard mask 11 and the mask patterns 17 as etch masks. As a result, gate trenches 19 b, which extend to the first core region CO1 and the second core region CO2 across the cell array region CA, may be formed (S140). When seen in a plan view, the gate trenches 19 b may be formed in regions from which the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a are removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, 12F, and 13E, the hard mask 11 and the mask patterns 17 may be removed. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the process of removing the hard mask 11 and the mask patterns 17 may be omitted.

A conductive layer 26 may be formed on the semiconductor substrate 1 having the gate trenches 19 b (S150). Specifically, a conductive material layer may be formed on the substrate 1 having the gate trenches 19 b and then planarized to leave preliminary conductive lines 21 in the gate trenches 19 b. The preliminary conductive lines 21 may include first through fourth preliminary conductive lines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d which are arranged in sequence in the cell array region CA. Furthermore, the first and second preliminary conductive lines 21 a and 21 b may extend from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1, and the third and fourth preliminary conductive lines 21 c and 21 d may extend from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2.

A pad conductive layer 25 may be formed on the semiconductor substrate 1 having the preliminary conductive lines 21. Thus, the conductive layer 26 may include the preliminary conductive lines 21 and the pad conductive layer 25. The preliminary conductive lines 21 may be formed of a metal layer, such as a titanium nitride layer. The pad conductive layer 25 may be formed of a metal layer, such as a tungsten layer or a tungsten silicide layer. Furthermore, before the preliminary conductive lines 21 are formed, the semiconductor substrate 1 including the gate trenches 19 b may be thermally oxidized to form a gate dielectric layer 20. Alternatively, the gate dielectric layer 20 may be formed of a high-k dielectric material using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process.

First contact pad masks 27 and second contact pad masks 28 may be formed on the pad conductive layer 25 (S160). The first and second contact pad masks 27 and 28 may overlap end portions of the preliminary conductive lines 23 that fill the gate trenches 19 b. Specifically, the first contact pad masks 27 may overlap end portions of the first and second preliminary conductive lines 21 a and 21 b in the first core region CO1, and the second contact pad masks 28 may overlap end portions of the third and fourth preliminary conductive lines 21 c and 21 d in the second core region CO2. Each of the first contact pad masks 27 may include a first contact pad region 27 a and a first connection region 27 b. The first connection region 27 b may overlap the end portions of the first and second preliminary conductive lines 21 a and 21 b in the first core region CO1. Each of the second contact pad masks 28 may include a second contact pad region 28 a and a second connection region 28 b. The second contact region 28 b may overlap the end portions of the third and fourth preliminary conductive lines 21 c and 21 d in the second core region CO2. Here, the first and second contact pad regions 27 a and 28 a may define regions where the contact pads 25 p and 25 q described in a previously discussed exemplary embodiment will be formed.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, and 12G, the pad conductive layer 25 may be etched using the first and second contact pad masks 27 and 28 as etch masks, thereby forming first and second contact pads 25 p and 25 q and first and second connection portions 25 a and 25 b. Subsequently, the preliminary conductive lines 21 may be partially etched using the first and second contact pad masks 27 and 28 as etch masks, thereby leaving conductive lines 22 in the gate trenches 19 b (S170). The conductive lines 22 may be formed at a lower level than the top surfaces of the active regions 3 a and the isolation layer 3S. While the preliminary conductive lines 21 are being partially etched, the preliminary conductive lines 23 formed in regions where the first and second contact pad masks 27 and 28 overlap the preliminary conductive lines 21 are not etched. Therefore, the conductive lines 22 can be electrically connected to the first and second contact pads 25 p and 25 q.

Although not shown in the drawings, while the first and second contact pad masks 27 and 28 are being formed, peripheral gate masks may also be formed in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2, or peripheral regions. Thus, during the etching of the pad conductive layer 25, the pad conductive layer 25, the buffer conductive layer 7, and the buffer dielectric layer 5 located under the peripheral gate masks may be left to form peripheral gate patterns.

Insulating patterns 29 a may be formed on the conductive lines 22. The insulating patterns 29 a may be formed at substantially the same level as the active cell regions 3 a and the isolation layer 3S. While the insulating patterns 29 a are being formed, pad spacers 29 b may also be formed to cover sidewalls of the contact pads 25 p and 25 q. Furthermore, source and drain regions 31 may be formed in the active cell regions 3 a on both sides of the conductive lines 22. Thus, in the cell array region CA, conductive lines (i.e., buried gate lines) 22 may be formed to a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. As a result, cell transistors including the buried gate lines 22 and the source and drain regions 31 may be completed.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 11, and 14. The method according to an alternative exemplary embodiment is different than the one previously discussed in terms of step S120 in which first and second sacrificial spacers are formed to cover sidewalls of the sacrificial openings using the node separation process described in FIG. 11. Specifically, in the previous exemplary embodiment, a node separation process is carried out to form the sacrificial spacer patterns 13 a as illustrated in FIG. 13C. In comparison, in the present exemplary embodiment, a node separation process is carried out to form the sacrificial spacer patterns 113 a as illustrated in FIG. 14. The sacrificial spacer patterns 113 a may define regions where conductive lines will be formed later. Thus, the conductive lines may be determined by arrangement of the sacrificial spacer patterns 113 a.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a node separation process including etching a predetermined portion of a sacrificial spacer may be performed using a node separation mask having a node separation opening 115 a to form the sacrificial spacer patterns 113 a. In an exemplary embodiment, reference numeral 116 refers to a region exposed by the node separation opening 115 a from which the sacrificial spacer is removed. For reference, because the arrangement of the sacrificial spacer patterns 113 a is the same as that of the conductive lines 122 as described in an exemplary disclosed embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 11, 15A, and 15B. The method according to the presently discussed exemplary embodiment is different from the method according to the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 1, 12A through 12G, and 13A through 13E in terms of the shape of a sacrificial opening in step S100 and the shape of first and second sacrificial spacer patterns in step S120 as described in FIG. 11. More specifically, in the presently discussed exemplary embodiment, a hard mask having sacrificial openings 211 a shown in FIG. 15A is formed (S100). Each of the sacrificial openings 211 a extends to the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 across the cell array region CA. Furthermore, each of the sacrificial openings 211 a has a first width NA1 in the cell array region CA. In one of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2, each of the sacrificial openings 211 a extends by a first length MA1 and has a second width NA2 greater than the first width NA1, and further extends to a third width PA1 smaller than the first width NA1 from both sides of the end portion that extends by the first length MA1. Furthermore, in the presently discussed exemplary embodiment, the third width PA1 may be greater than the width of a sacrificial spacer that will be formed later.

Similar to the method described in a previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 1, 12A through 12G, and 13A through 13E, sacrificial spacers may be formed to cover sidewalls of the sacrificial openings 211 a (S110). Thereafter, a node separation process may be carried out so that sacrificial spacer patterns 213 a can be formed to partially cover the sidewalls of the sacrificial openings 211 a (S120). The sacrificial spacer patterns 213 a may define regions where conductive lines will be formed later. Thus, the conductive lines may be determined by arrangement of the sacrificial spacer patterns 213 a. As a result, a node separation process including etching a predetermined portion of a sacrificial spacer may be performed using a node separation mask having a node separation opening 215 a shown in FIG. 15B, so that the sacrificial spacer patterns 213 a can be formed. Here, reference numeral 216 refers to a region exposed by the node separation opening 215 a from which the sacrificial spacer is removed. For reference, because the arrangement of the sacrificial spacer patterns 113 a is the same as that of the conductive lines 222 as described in a previously discussed embodiment with respect to FIG. 3, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor memory device may be fabricated by modifying the shape of a contact pad mask during the process of fabricating the semiconductor device according to a previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. 3 using the method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to a previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 12A-12G and 13A-13G. More specifically, in order to fabricate the semiconductor device according to the presently discussed embodiment, a contact pad mask having only a contact region is employed instead of a contact pad mask having a connection region and a contact region. All subsequent processes are carried out as described in the previously discussed embodiment with respect to FIG. 11, FIGS. 12A-12G, and FIGS. 13A-13G.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to yet another alternative exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 11, and 16. The method according to the presently discussed exemplary embodiment is different from the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 15A and 15B in terms of the shape of a sacrificial opening in step S100 and the shape of first and second sacrificial spacer patterns in step S120 as described in FIG. 11. Specifically, each of sacrificial openings 311 a as illustrated in FIG. 16 has a first width NA1 in the cell array region CA. Also, in one of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2, each of the sacrificial openings 311 a extends by a first length MA and has a second width NA2 greater than the first width NA1, and further extends from both sides of the end portion, which extends by the first length MA1, to form two divided portions with different lengths and a third width PA1 smaller than the first width NA1. Thus, because only the shape of the sacrificial openings in the presently discussed embodiment with respect to FIG. 16 is different than that of the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the method of fabricating the semiconductor device disclosed in FIG. 16 is very similar to the method disclosed in the exemplary embodiment discussed with respect to FIGS. 15A and 15B.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to yet another exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 11, and 17. The method according to the presently discussed exemplary embodiment differs from the method described in a previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E. Specifically a node separation process in step S120 and the shape of a contact pad mask in step S160 as described in FIG. 11 are different in the presently discussed exemplary embodiment.

Therefore, in order to fabricate the semiconductor device according to the presently discussed embodiment, the same processes as those of the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E are performed up until forming a sacrificial spacer (S110). Then, node separation openings 415 a of a node separation mask used in the node separation process in step S120 described in FIG. 11 are formed as illustrated in FIG. 17. Both end portions of the sacrificial spacer are selectively removed using the node separation mask having the node separation openings 415 a that selectively expose the both end portions of the sacrificial spacer, so that sacrificial spacer patterns 413 a can be obtained. Here, reference numeral 416 refers to a region from which the sacrificial spacer is partially etched.

Thereafter, subsequent processes may be performed up until forming a conductive layer on a substrate having trenches (S150 of FIG. 11) as described in the exemplary method with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E. Furthermore, a contact pad mask may be formed on the conductive layer such that the contact pad mask overlaps end portions of the trenches located in a first core region CO1 or a second core region CO2. Subsequent processes may be performed like in the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E. As a result, the semiconductor device according to a previously discussed embodiment with respect to FIG. 5 may be fabricated by using the method according to the presently discussed embodiment.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to yet another exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 11, 18A, and 18B. The method according to the presently discussed exemplary embodiment is different from the method according to the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E. Specifically, the difference lies with respect to the sacrificial opening in a process of forming a hard mask having the sacrificial opening (S100 of FIG. 11) and the shape of sacrificial spacer patterns in a process of forming the sacrificial spacer patterns (S120 of FIG. 11). Therefore, the presently discussed method is substantially similar to the method according to the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E.

More specifically, FIG. 18A illustrates a sacrificial opening 611 a that is made in a hard mask in step S100 as described in FIG. 11. That is, FIG. 13A illustrates a plurality of sacrificial openings 11 a, whereas FIG. 18A illustrates a single sacrificial opening 611 a. In other words, the shape of sacrificial openings used in the presently discussed exemplary embodiment is the same as the shape of the sacrificial openings used in previously discussed exemplary embodiments in the cell array region CA. However, the shape of the presently discussed sacrificial openings is different from the shape of the sacrificial openings used in the previously discussed exemplary embodiments in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2.

In particular, in the presently discussed exemplary embodiment, a plurality of sacrificial openings 611 a may be formed across the cell array region CA and include first through third cell sacrificial openings 610 a, 610 b, and 610 c that are arranged in sequence in the cell array region CA. The first and second cell sacrificial openings 610 a and 610 b may extend from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1 and are combined into one opening in the first core region CO1. Also, the second and third cell sacrificial openings 610 b and 610 c may extend from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2 and are combined into one opening in the second core region CO2.

On the other hand, each of the first through third cell sacrificial openings 610 a, 610 b, and 610 c may have one feature size (1F). In an exemplary embodiment, the one feature size (1F) may be defined as the minimum dimension that is feasible within the resolution limit in a lithography process.

Next, a sacrificial spacer may be formed to cover a sidewall of the sacrificial opening 611 a (S110). Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, a node separation process may be carried out so that sacrificial spacer patterns can be formed to partially cover the sidewall of the sacrificial opening 611 a (S120). The sacrificial spacer may be etched using a node separation mask having a node separation opening 615 a. The node separation opening 615 a exposes the sacrificial spacer covering the sidewall of the sacrificial opening 611 a having the first and second cell sacrificial openings 610 a and 610 b which extend from the cell array region CA to the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 and which are combined into one opening. Furthermore, the node separation opening also exposes the sacrificial spacer located at end portions of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. As a result, sacrificial spacer patterns 613 a can be obtained.

In an exemplary embodiment, the node separation opening 615 a may expose the sacrificial spacer located at the end portions of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2, and the sacrificial spacer located between corners of the end portions of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 and the cell array region CA. Thus, the sacrificial spacer patterns 613 a may be arranged in the same manner as the conductive lines 622 shown in FIG. 7. Subsequently processes are performed in the same manner and order as described in a previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. 11. As a result, the semiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 can be fabricated.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to yet another exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 11, 19A, and 19B. The method according to present discussed exemplary embodiment differs from the method according to previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E. In particular, the method differs in terms of the shape of a sacrificial opening in a process of forming a hard mask having the sacrificial opening in step S100 of FIG. 11 and the shape of sacrificial spacer patterns in a process of forming the sacrificial spacer patterns in step S120 of FIG. 11.

More specifically, FIG. 19A illustrates a sacrificial opening 711 a that is made in a hard mask in step S100 as described in FIG. 11. That is, FIG. 13A illustrates a plurality of sacrificial openings 11 a, whereas FIG. 19A illustrates a single sacrificial opening 711 a. In other words, the shape of sacrificial openings used in the presently discussed exemplary embodiment is the same as the shape of sacrificial openings used in the previously discussed exemplary embodiments in the cell array region CA. However, the shape of the presently discussed sacrificial openings is different from the shape of the sacrificial openings used in the previously discussed exemplary embodiments in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2.

Specifically, in the presently discussed embodiment, a plurality of sacrificial openings 711 a may be formed across the cell array region CA and include first through third cell sacrificial openings that are arranged in sequence in the cell array region CA. The first and second cell sacrificial openings may extend from the cell array region CA to the first core region CO1 and are combined into one opening in the first core region CO1. Also, the second and third cell sacrificial openings may extend from the cell array region CA to the second core region CO2 and are combined into one opening in the second core region CO2. In this case, the width of the sacrificial opening 711 a in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 may be equal to the sum of the widths of the first and second cell sacrificial openings and a distance between the first and second cell sacrificial openings in the cell array region CA.

Next, a sacrificial spacer may be formed to cover a sidewall of the sacrificial opening 711 a (S110). Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, a node separation process may be carried out so that sacrificial spacer patterns 713 a can be formed to partially cover the sidewall of the sacrificial opening 711 a (S120). The sacrificial spacer may be etched using a node separation mask having a node separation opening 715 a. The node separation opening 715 a exposes the sacrificial spacer covering the sidewall of the sacrificial opening 711 a having the first and second cell sacrificial openings, which extend from the cell array region CA to the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 and are combined into one opening. The node separation opening 715 a also exposes the sacrificial spacer located at end portions of the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2. As a result, the sacrificial spacer patterns 713 a may be arranged in the same manner as the conductive lines 722 shown in FIG. 8. Subsequent processes are performed in the same manner and order as described in the previously discussed embodiment with respect to FIG. 11. As a result, the semiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can be fabricated.

A method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to yet another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 11, 20A, and 20B. The method according to the presently discussed exemplary embodiment differs from the method according to a previously discussed embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11, 12A-12G, and 13A-13E. Specifically, the difference lies in terms of the shape of a sacrificial opening made in a hard mask in step S100 of FIG. 11, the shape of a node separation opening made in a node separation mask used during a node separation process in step S120, and the arrangement of a contact pad mask in step S160.

More specifically, in order to fabricate the semiconductor device according to the presently discussed embodiment, a hard mask having sacrificial openings 811 a that extend to first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 across a cell array region CA can be formed as illustrated in FIG. 20A (S100). In this case, each of the sacrificial openings 811 a may have a greater width in the first and second core regions CO1 and CO2 than in the cell array region CA.

Subsequently, sacrificial spacers may be formed to cover sidewalls of the sacrificial openings 811 a (S110). A node separation mask having node separation openings 815 a that expose the sacrificial spacers covering the sidewalls of both end portions of the sacrificial openings 811 a can be formed. Next, the sacrificial spacers may be etched using the node separation mask as an etch mask so that sacrificial spacer patterns 813 a can be formed (S120). Thereafter, a conductive layer may be formed on a substrate having trenches using fabrication processes according to a previously discussed embodiment with respect to FIG. 11 (S150).

In addition, contact pad masks may be formed on the conductive layer such that the contact pad masks overlap one of both end portions of each of the trenches (S160). In this case, each of the contact pad masks may include a contact pad region and a connection region. The contact pad region may define a region where contact pads 825 p and 825 q of the semiconductor device according to a previously disclosed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. 9 will be formed. In this process, conductive lines 822 may be formed by the method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to the exemplary embodiment discussed with respect to FIG. 11 (S170).

A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to yet another exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 21. The method according to the presently discussed exemplary embodiment differs from the method according to the previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 20A and 20B. Specifically, the presently discussed method differs in terms of the arrangement of a node separation opening made in a node separation mask used during a node separation process in step S120 of FIG. 11.

More specifically, a sacrificial spacer may be formed in the same manner as in the method according to the previously disclosed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIGS. 20A and 20B described above (S110). Subsequently, a node separation process may be performed to form sacrificial spacer patterns 913 a as illustrated in FIG. 21. The sacrificial spacer patterns 913 a may define regions where conductive lines will be formed later. Thus, the conductive lines may be determined by arrangement of the sacrificial spacer patterns 913 a.

As a result, a node separation process of etching a predetermined portion of the sacrificial spacer may be performed using a node separation mask having a node separation opening 915 a as shown in FIG. 21, so that the sacrificial spacer patterns 913 a can be formed. For convenience of description, because the arrangement of the sacrificial spacer patterns 913 a is the same as that of conductive lines 922 described in a previously discussed exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. 10, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Therefore, the semiconductor device according to the exemplary embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10 can be fabricated by the method of fabricating the semiconductor device according to presently disclosed embodiment.

As explained thus far, in order to increase integration efficiency, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of disposing conductive lines having a line width smaller than the resolution limit in a lithography process. Furthermore, according to the methods of the present disclosure, a sufficient space can be obtained between contact pads. The sufficient space between the contact pads may lead to an improvement in the process margin of a semiconductor device, so that a contact failure due to misalignment in a lithography process can be prevented. As a consequence, the integration density of a semiconductor device may be improved.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed herein and, although specific terms are employed, they are to be used and interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region, between which a cell array region is interposed; first, second, third, and fourth conductive lines extending to the first and second core regions across the cell array region; first contact pads electrically connected to end portions of the second and fourth conductive lines in the first core region; and second contact pads electrically connected to end portions of the first and third conductive lines in the second core region, wherein the first contact pads are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other, and the second contact pads are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other.
 2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and third conductive lines extends by a first length from the cell array region to the first core region and extends from the cell array region to the second core region by a second length, the second length being greater than the first length, and each of the second and fourth conductive lines extends by the first length from the cell array region to the second core region and extends by the second length from the cell array region to the first core region. 